Ski exercising machine



Feb. 24, 1942.v F.l MAUTIN SKI EXERCISING MACHINE Filed June 5 1941 Patented Feb. 24, 1942 UNITED STATES" PATENT! OFFICE This invention relates to ski exercising devices.

One object ofk the invention is to provide a device of the character described whereby all the motions of an expert skier may bepractised on a relatively simple, inexpensive andhighly compact structure. l i

Another Aobject of the invention is to provide a device of the nature set forth whereby there may be conveniently practised the right and left turns which are executed by a skier by momentum caused by a rapid twist of the torso.

Another object of the invention is to furnish a device of the class alluded to having improved `means whereby an operator may exercise the motions performed in a downward movement with the skis downwardly forwardly inclined and l 6--6 ofFig. 3. i

improved means whereby a certain skiing motion is simulated as where the forwardly tilted body of the operator executes a rapid forward movement. I

A further object of the invention is to furnish a device having improved means for effecting two or more of the various movements re ferred to, and whereby the operator may'rapidlyi shift from one to the other of saidmovements, or stop or slow downl a right or left turn, or utilize a ski pole for a related purpose;

Another object 0f the invention is to provide such device wherein the operator may manipu late foot holding members to slowdown or his motion down an inclined ramp.

Still anotherr object of the invention is to prostop vide such a device wherein ski poles of improved their preferred embodiments, pointed out in the Application June 5, 1941,seria1NO. 396,694

:zo claims. l (c1. 272-57) subjoinedclaims, and illustrated in the annexed drawing, wherein like parts are designated by the samel reference characters throughout the several views.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a ski exercising device embodying the invention with the foot holding members or skis shown in a lateral position on` an inclined portion of the ramp.

Fig. 2 isa view in side elevation thereof.

Fig. 3 lis a view in end elevation thereof with the foot holding members also shown in an initial position in dotted lines. f

Figs. 4 and 5 are sectional views taken on the lines 4 4 and 5-5, respectively, of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of a foot holding member or ski. l

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective View of tlievdevice including the ski poles. 1

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view showing a ski pole in position for gripping the inclined ramp and also showing in dotted lines its normal position.

The advantages of the invention as here outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities are combined in one and the same structure, but, useful devices may be produced embodying less than the whole.

vIt will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention appertains, that the same may be incorporated in several different constructions. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submitted merely as showing the preferred exemplication of the invention.

Referring in detail to the drawing, I5 denotes a device embodying the invention. The same mayof course be used for exercising ones body including the muscles of the shoulders, torso,

and those at the knees, ankles, and feet; but

particularly, the device is intended for ski exercising and its utility is best exemplified in that regard. This device I5 may comprise a base rmember I6 on which is mounted a fixed ramp I1. Preferably this ramp is in the form of a curve or arc extending through any suitable angle andk is of varying elevation, being desirably upwardly inclined from its ends so that its central region is uppermost. As herein shown, the ramp I1 may comprise a left hand section I8 and a right hand section I9 which are separated from each other by an opening 20 for a purpose hereinafter described. f

At some point in relation to the inclined ramp, preferably adjacent to the center thereof, the

base I6 may carry means 2| for mounting the forward portions of a pair of foot members or skis 22 for lateral movement, with the rear end portions of the foot members 22 slidably resting upon the top surface of the ramp I1 so that right and left hand motions may be executed along the respective downward inclines l and l'9. Preferably the means 2| may also provide for a downward forward tilting of the foot members 22 and may further permit either or both of these foot members to be laterally tilted to pre.- sent a side edge for gripping an inclined member I8 or I9 with increased friction.

The means 2| may comprise a pin or guide 23 fixed to the base I5. Around this pin 23 extends an expansion coil spring 2li. Resting onsaid expansion coil spring is a bar or lever 25 having an opening receiving the pin 23. Accordingly this lever forms two arms of equal length and may be swung about the pin 25 ina horizontal plane. Each arm Aof Ythe lever 25 may have a vertical slot or opening 25 for receiving a cam-like member ordsk 2l. The latter may have a central pin 28 which may extend into opposed lateral slots 29 formed in each arm of the lever 25. each member 21 may be like a wheel mounted on an axle, the latter being floating, since the pin 28 is slidable alongy the slots 29. Rigidly connected to each member 2l is a radial upstanding pin which is received in a slot 3l extendingr along the length of the forward portion of a foot member 22. Accordingly each foot member 22 may bear directly upon its cam or disk member 21 forA a lateral rocking motion, the member 2l executing a corresponding angular movement about its pin 23, and, furthermore, each member 22 may also move longitudinally with the pin 3l) serving as a guide for the slotted portions at 3l. For automatically retraeting the foot members 22 so as to move them rearward, I provide the individual tension coil springs 32 connected to the toe portions of the foot members and to the respetve arms of the lever 25. f

At the portion of the ramp l? which is of the maximum elevation, I provide means to facilitate a rapid upward and downward movement of the rear end portions of the foot members. Such means may be variously actuated. A very simple construction may consist in the provision of a U-shaped crank33 carrying a roller 3d disposed within the opening 2Q, the upper' surface of the roller 34 being preferably substantially continuous with the adjacent surface ofl the ramp Il. The crank member 33 may have trunnions 35 journaled in brackets 35, 3l which are fixed to the base I6 and also to the ramp sections I8, I9 for supporting the latter. One of the trunnions 3.5 carries a pinion 38 which engages a gear 35 on a` shaft lli) journaled in the bracket 35. Mounted on said shaft 40 is a y wheel 4l. For releasably locking the crank member 3,5,V the other of the trunnions 35 may carry suitable locking means such as an eye Q2 in a set screw 43 which is removably engaged in an opening in the bracket 31. As indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3, the foot members 22 may rest upon the roller 3,5', `and the opening 25 is sufcient in extent to permit the foot members to oscillate upand down therein while` resting on the roller 3ft. v l

For controlling lateral movementof the foot members 2-2 down the inclined ramp l?, various means may be provided such asl a strip. of frictierlal. or rubbelike material 4.4 Set into: a foot 2.2 adiaent a longitud-mal @da fhefwt Thus These strips it are in confronting relation to each other in the different foot members as shown in Fig. l and are operated by tilting the left or right foot member according as the movement is down the left or right incline I8 or i9, to thus present a strip 4d as a gripping edge for the ramp surface. Additional control means may include the ski poles 45 jointed to the respective foot members 22. Each pole may be of angle form, comprising an upright portion l5 and a trunnion di', the latter journaled in a bearing t3 secured to an outer edge portion of the respective foot member 22. Eccentrically connected to the trunnion l is a shoe 49 adapted to frictionally grip the surface of the ramp when the ski pole is swung in an outward direction. Accordingly the left or the right ski pole is thus operated, depending upon whether the operator is moving down the left or right incline. Thus each ski pole may be operated to retard or stop the movement of the operator down an inclined ramp in addition to such action afforded by the strip members 42. To afford a high degree of flexibility handles 50 are connected to the pole bars 46 by rings 5| for a universal movement of the handles.

Any suitable means such as shoes or other holding devices may be connected to the foot members 22 to reliably hold the feet of the operator. For example, at the rear end of each foot member there may be a rest or support 52 of arcuate form to fit around the rear end of a shoe, and a strap 53 may be provided to engage over the instep of the foot. For the purpose of reducing friction in the movement of the foot members along the ramp, the former may have slot openings 5ft to receive rollers 55 arranged so that they will not interfere with the foot of the operator.

The operation of the device will now be brieiiydescribed. Assume that the roller 34 is locked in its uppermost position as by means of the long stud '23. The operator, whose feet are secured to the ski or foot members 22 may stand in position with the latter resting upon the roller 34 as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. The operator may also grip the handles 50 of the ski poles 45. Now by a rapid twist of his body to the right or left, the members 22 are caused to slide down the ramp members I9 or I3 respectively, with the rollers 55 reducing friction to a minimum so that a rapid motion is attainable. While this is occurring, one of the foot members 22 may be somewhat in advance of the other since the lever 25 is in free pivotal relation to the foot members; thus the idiosyncrasies of the individual skier are accommodated. If the operator wishes to retard or stop his movement, he twists his ankle to laterally tilt the proper foot member 22 to present the fprictional gripping portion lili to the surface of the ramp. If he requires additional power to retard or stop hisv movement; he may swing the proper pole bar 4 5 in an outward direction so that theeccentric shoe 49, also lgrips the surface 0f the. ramp... Toy return to the top of the ramp, the operator may execute 'a springing motion combined 'with ay twisting of his torso or he may merely side step, thus bringing the members 2 back to initial position.

While executing the lateral movement downward along the ramp, the operator may press forward with hisV bodycor-respondingly tilted to depress the front portions of the foot members 22 against the` force of; the. spring 24. This may be readily eftected because in general the lever 25 tends to swing with the foot members 22. Of course this forward downward tilting of the foot members may also be caused when the operator is in initial position above the roller 34. Furthermore, it will be perceived that the lateral tilting of the foot members, as by the elements 44 or 49, lmay be caused in both the downwardly tilted and in the normal upright positions of the foot members 22.

If a rapid forward motion is desired, the operator maycause a corresponding momentum of his body with the foot members 22 moving forward against the tension of the coil springs 32, the pins 30 riding in the slots 3|. In fact, this forward motion may be effected while there is a lateral downward movement along the ramp, and while the operator is preparing to stop such lateral downward movement by one or the other of the frictional gripping portions 44 and 49. The tension coil springs 32 are intended to be sullciently strong to retract the foot members 22 to normalposition.

It will thus be seen that a plurality of motions may be executed almost simultaneously and in different variations. Moreover,one of the foot members may be depressed below the other, with the lever 25 tilting due to loose journaling thereof on the pin 23. To the contrary, the lever 25 may be regarded as tightly frictionally engaging said pin 23 for a braking action to require additional control by the foot members 22.

By removing the stop element 43, the operator may `perform a rapid upward and downward l oscillatory motionunder the weight of his body,

with the foot members 22 actuating the roller 34 which will thus impart a suitable momentum to the fly wheel 4l. forward and with knees bent, may simulate the motion which may be quite like that of an undulating snow surface. At the instant that he is in an uppermost position, the operator may slide off the roller 34 and on to one of the ramp members I8 or I9. He may readily return back on to the roller 34 by providing suitable means to assure that the roller will return to its uppermost position. Such means may consist in a lateral arm or crank portion 56 on the eye 42, carrying a freely rotatable collar 51 connected by a tension coil spring B to the base I6. It will be understood that in placeof the fly wheel 4I and its drive, a motor or other suitable source of power may be substituted, although I prefer to utilize the energy of the operator himself to execute this oscillatory motion.

While the oscillatory motion with the aid of the crank 33 is occurring, the operator may also perform a forward motion against the tension of the coil spring 32, and the latter may readily retract the foot members 22 to initial position, especially while they are at the lowermost point of their oscillatory path on the roller 34.

It will thus be seen that by the provision of a rather simple and highly compact device, a multitude of motions and combinations of motions with their variations may be performed simultaneously or in rapid succession, to fully realize the objects of the invention in a wholly practical manner.

I claim:

1. A ski exercizing device wherein right and left turns are executed with a twist of the skiers torso, including an arcuate ramp of varying elevation, the ramp being upwardly inclined from its ends toward the central region thereof, and foot holding members pivotally mounted adja- Thus the operator, leaning cent to the center of said are and resting on sa i d ramp for movement toward the right or left along said ramp.

2. A ski exercizing device, including a curved ramp upwardly inclined from its ends toward its central region, separate elongated foot holding members, means at the center of the curve for pivotally mounting said members at the forward end thereof, and the rearend portions of said members slidably resting on said ramps for movement about the pivotal mounting means.

3. A ski exercizing device including elongated members having foot holding means at the rear ends thereof, resilient means supporting the forward vend portions of said members, and means pivotally supporting the rear end portions of said members, whereby a skier can depress the forward'end portions of said members by tilting forward in simulating a downward skiing position, said pivotal means comprising an inclined member along which the said rear end portions are movable for lateral angular movement of the members, the front end portions of the members having pivotal engagement with the resilient supporting means to permit said lateral angular movement of the members. f

4. Aski exercizing device including a plurality of elongated members having foot holding means at the rear ends thereof, means pivotally mounting said members at the front end portions there.- of for up and down swinging motion, and supporting means at the rear end portions of the members for causing up and down movement of said members. l

5. A ski exercizing device including elongated inclined members having inclined foot holding means at the rear ends thereof, means slidably supporting said members at the front end` portions of said members, means slidably supporting said members at the rear end portions thereof at a higher elevation than at the front end portions, and means resiliently retracting the members in a rearward direction.

6. A ski exercizing device, including a curved ramp upwardly inclined from its ends toward its central region, separate elongated foot holding members, means at the center `of the curve for pivotally mounting said members at the forward end thereof, and the rear end portions of said members slidably resting on said ramps for movement about Athe pivotal lmounting means, and means for yieldably supporting the forward end portions of the foot members.

7. A ski exercizing vdevice including elongated members having foot holding means at the rear ends thereof, resilient means supporting the forward end portions of said members, and means pivotally supporting the rear end portions of said members, whereby a skier can depress the forward end portions of said members by tilting for- 'ward in simulating a downward skiing position,

and ymeans coacting with the resilientmeans to support the foot members at their forward ends 9. A skiexercizing device including elongated inclined members having foot holding means at the rear ends thereof, means slidably supporting said members at the front end portions of said members, means slidably supporting said members at' the rear end portions thereof at a higher elevation than at the front end portions, and means resilient-ly retracting the members in a rearwarddirection, the supporting means at the said front en'd portions comprising an element pivoted for lateral movement, said resilient means being connected tothe foot members and to the pivoted element.

10. A ski exercizing device, including an inclined ramp, members having foot holding means at the rear end portions thereof, said rear end portions engaging said ramp for movement therealong with the members being transverse to the ramp, and means movably supporting the front end portions of the members, comprising resilient means whereby said front end portions can be depressed in course of movement of the members down the ramp.

11. A ski exercizing device, including an inclined ramp, members having foot holding means at the rear end portions thereof, said rear end portions engaging said ramp for movement therealong with the members being transverse to the ramp, and means movably supporting the front end portions of the members, comprising resilient means whereby said front end portions can be depressed in course of movement of the members down the ramp, and said supporting means comprising other means whereby one of the members can be moved at Will to extend in advance of the other member in course of said movement of the members along the ramp.

12.. A ski exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated members having foot holding means at the rear end portions thereof, the latter engaging said ramp for lateral movement therealong, means movably supporting the members adjacent to the front end portions thereof, including guide means for the members controlled at will to permit one of the members to be partially advanced relative to the other, in the longitudinal direction, in course of lateral movement of the members along the ramp.

13. A ski exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated foot holding members laterally slidable along the ramp, guide means for the movement of the foot members along the ramp, and elongated means engaging the foot members and extending upward therefrom and having means to engage the ramp for resisting movement of the foot members along the ramp.

14. An exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated foot members laterally movable down the ramp, foot engaging means at the rear end portions of the members, said rear end portions being above the ramp, and guide means engaging the toe portions of the foot members in course of their lateral movement along the ramp.

15. An exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated foot members laterally movable down the ramp, foot engaging means at the rear end portions of the members, said rear end portions being above the ramp, and guide means engaging the toe portions of the foot members in course of their lateral movement along the ramp, said guide means comprising a pivoted element connected to the foot members.

16. An exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated foot members laterally movable down the ramp, foot engaging means at the rear end portions of the members, said rear end portions being above the ramp, and guide means engaging the toe portions of the foot members in course of their lateral movement along the ramp, said guide means comprising a pivoted element connected to the foot members, ,and a resilient support for said element.

17. An exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated foot members laterally movable down the ramp, foot engaging means at the rear end portions of the members, said rear end portions being above the ramp, and guide means engaging the toe portions of the foot members in course of their lateral movement along the ramp, said guide means comprising an angularly movable element, and means for lost motion connection between the foot members and the element longitudinally of the foot members.

1S. An exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated foot members laterally movable down the ramp, foot engaging means at the rear end portions of the members, said rear end portions being above the ramp, and guide means engaging the toe portions of the foot members in course of their lateral movement along the ramp, said guide means comprising means for pivotal connection with the foot members for lateral tilting movement thereof.

19. An exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated foot members laterally movable down the ramp, foot engaging means at the rear end portions of the members, said rear end portions being above the ramp, and guide means engaging the toe portions of the foot members in course of their lateral movement along the ramp, and means at the ramp for oscillating the foot members in an upright plane between points at the level of the adjacent part of the ramp and below said level.

20. An exercizing device including an inclined ramp, elongated foot members laterally movable down the ramp, foot engaging means at the rear end portions of the members, said rear end portions being above the ramp, and guide means engaging the toe portions of the foot members in course of their lateral movement along the ramp, said guide means comprising resilient depressible means for supporting the foot members at their toe portions, and means at the high end of a section of the ramp for oscillating the foot members between points including a point below said high end.

FRANCOIS MAUTIN. 

